The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·22V526000·Announced 2022-07-21

2022 Tesla Model S Front Bumper Defect May Cause Incorrect Airbag Deployment

Tesla is recalling certain 2022 Model S vehicles because the front bumper carrier structure may alter crash detection, causing the front passenger airbag to deploy incorrectly during low speed crashes. This increases the risk of passenger injury.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: This is a structural vehicle defect affecting airbag deployment that increases passenger injury risk. However, no illnesses or injuries are reported in the source text, and the hazard is theoretical. The rubric specifies a maximum score of 3 when no illnesses/injuries are reported and the hazard is theoretical.

Plain-English summary

Tesla, Inc. is recalling certain 2022 Model S vehicles. The front bumper carrier structure in these vehicles may alter the vehicle's crash detection system, which could cause the front passenger airbag to deploy incorrectly during certain low speed crashes. This defect violates Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, which governs occupant crash protection.

When the airbag does not deploy as intended during a crash, passengers face an increased risk of injury.

Owners who received notification letters mailed September 19, 2022 should contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752 to schedule a free replacement of the front bumper carrier structure. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit www.nhtsa.gov for more information.

The recalled product

Product
TESLA MODEL S
Brand
TESLA
Manufacturer
Tesla, Inc.
Category
Vehicle — Airbag System
Hazard
Affected units
5

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • MODEL S

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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